Access to HE Social Science Course in Bolton

Cost£3,022.00
Duration280 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOpen Awards awarding body

About this course

Access to HE Social Science Course in Bolton. Classes run at Deane Road Campus, full-time during the day. The government may pay fees for adults who don't already hold a full Level 3 qualification. Please contact the centre to confirm what applies to you. This one-year level 3 access to he social science qualification is designed to meet the entry requirements for degree courses in subjects such as sociology, social work, criminology, and psychology. You'll need GCSE English at grade C or 4 or above to apply, and GCSE Maths for some progression routes. The course runs for 280 hours.

Who this course is for

This is a one year course that will help you achieve the qualification you need to gain entry to a degree course at university in subjects such as sociology, social work, criminology, psychology, forensic psychology, and combinations of social science and humanities subjects.

Entry requirements

You will need English GCSE at a grade C/4 or above for all courses and Maths GCSE for some courses. You are advised to investigate potential university progression routes to establish specific entry requirements they may require.

What you will learn

  • You'll study core social science concepts across subjects such as sociology, psychology, and criminology.
  • You'll develop skills in academic writing and argument to meet university entry standards.
  • You'll analyse social issues and apply theoretical frameworks to real-world contexts.
  • You'll build research skills, including how to find, evaluate, and reference sources.
  • You'll complete assessed assignments that reflect the demands of degree-level study.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Deane Road Campus. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework rather than formal exams. This is the standard approach for Access to HE Diplomas recognised by UK universities. Your tutors will give feedback on your work throughout the year to help you meet the required standards before you apply to university.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Deane Road Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Social worker: degree and further training required after university
  • Probation officer: relevant degree opens this route
  • Community support worker: degree in social work or psychology useful
  • Youth worker: degree in youth work or social science typical
  • Counsellor: psychology degree followed by professional training
  • Criminologist: criminology degree leads to research or policy roles
  • Housing officer: social science degree valued in this field

What you could study next

This course is recognised by UK universities as meeting degree entry requirements. You could progress to a BA or BSc in Sociology, Social Work, Criminology, Psychology, or Forensic Psychology. Some universities also offer foundation years if you want extra preparation. It is worth checking specific entry requirements with your chosen universities early, as some may ask for particular grades within the Diploma.

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